OSR: WWE SummerSlam 1997 Review

WWE SummerSlam 1997 Review

The events of this SummerSlam are almost etched in history as some of the most memorable in the events history; it marked the beginning of the end for Bret Hart in the WWE with his final championship reign but also the beginning of a long road for Stone Cold Steve Austin. Despite this, I have never seen this event throughout…even though I did get the VHS off eBay. This is definitely going to be an interesting one to watch, as it is a cross between The New Generation and The Attitude Era so there will be a stark contrast of superstars colliding with one another. The OSR heads to the shadows of New York City for the WWE SummerSlam 1997 Review…

The shows opens with the National Anthem being played throughout the arena albeit with no introduction before going to the opening promo which looks at the fairness in life, and our individual heroes. It centers a lot around the feud between The Undertaker and Bret Hart, but with the presence of Shawn Michaels as the referee in a very simple, but massively effective opening promo. We then go inside the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey with our commentary team Vince McMahon, Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross who briefly preview the matches for the evening before we quickly head up to the ring for the first match of the evening.

Steel Cage Match: Hunter Hearst Helmsley (w/ Chyna) vs. Mankind

Helmsley makes his way to the ring first, as the history between the pair going back to IYH: Canadian Stampede is shown. Mankind then makes his way to the ring, and it quickly gets started with Mankind taking it to Helmsley. It does become a very one sided contest though, thanks to the efforts of Chyna at ringside who continually apprehends Mankind’s attempt to pick up the victory, whether it be slamming the door on his head or entering the cage herself. When it looks like Mankind is about to pick up the victory via escape, he receives an incredible reaction when he nails an elbow from the top of the cage onto Helmsley. Try as she may, Chyna is unsuccessful in getting the victory for Helmsley as Mankind is able to escape in a really good opening match which set the standard for their future encounters. He entered the match as Mankind, but leaves as Dude Love in an amusing spot.

Winner: Mankind

Match Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Goldust (w/ Marlena) vs. Brian Pillman

The ever so highly controversial Goldust makes his way to the ring first, before Pillman makes his way out surprisingly to virtually no reaction. The match soon gets underway with Pillman in control. This remains very much the case for the next few minutes, which include Pillman attempting to intimidate Marlena. He continues to be in control, until a sudden roll-up from Goldust sees him lose the match. As a consequence, he will be required to wear a dress going forward until he is next victorious. Bit of a lackluster match in all honesty, could have being a lot better.